Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

Acura To Offer 2 Years Of Free Maintenance On All 2023 Models, Claims Leaked Doc

A new leak suggests that Acura may be offering up to two years of free maintenance on its 2023 models. A screenshot posted on IntegraTalk.com seems to show a dealer presentation slide referring to the new “Acura Plan” that covers vehicles for 24,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first.


Driven: Honda Jazz Crosstar e:HEV Is A Supermini In Crossover MPV Clothing

The Honda Jazz Crosstar isn’t available in the U.S., but with fuel prices on the rise, could this crossbreed of a small MPV and SUV have any appeal? It boasts easy-to-clean seats, surprising amounts of space for rear-seat passengers, practicality, and excellent fuel economy around town. But rear luggage space is somewhat restricted, and the price could be considered steep compared to its rivals.


Jason Cammisa Says That Lucid Is Basically Tesla 2.0 From The Ground Up

We’ve heard a lot about Lucid’s ambitions, but it would appear that the creation of CEO Peter Rawlingson, who was also the chief engineer on the Tesla Model S, could just have brought about the reinvention of the electric sedan the car community has been waiting for. Borrowing ideas from both Tesla and Mercedes, automotive journalist Jason Cammisa highlights the benefits of the “Tesla 2.0.”


Subaru Kills Current WRX STI Plans, Is Exploring Electrification For Next STI

Subaru will not be developing an STI version of the new WRX. In a surprise move, Subaru released a statement saying the “automotive marketplace continues to move towards electrification” The company went on to confirm that “a next-generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform.” It leaves the door open for an EV rendition, but it’s a kick in the teeth for those hoping for a purist STI.


RWD 2023 Mazda6 Rendered With Cues From Recently Unveiled CX-60

An independent illustration from Sugar Design has created a rendering of the next-generation, rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6. To create this concept, Sugar Design on Instagram has grafted the front fascia of the CX-60 onto a four-door design, meaning the car has the same headlights, front grille, and air intakes as the CX-60. The same creases running along the body have also been carried through to the Mazda6, ensuring that it stands out from the current model and makes a very bold statement.


It Took VW 21 Years To Get From The Microbus Concept To The ID. Buzz, But The Original Has Barely Aged A Day

It’s been nearly 21 years since the first Microbus concept appeared in 2001 — and yet the original design still looks fresh-faced today. It was followed by the 2011 Bulli concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. There was even another attempt before the I.D. name made an appearance, in the form of the 2016 Budd-e. But the real question is, does the 2024 ID. Buzz looks better or worse than the 2001 Microbus?


What Else Is Making The News


Grimes Under Fire For Claiming Musk Sometimes Lives Under The Poverty Line

Elon Musk is one of the wealthiest people in the world, with an estimated net worth of $227 billion, so it may have come as a shock to some when Grimes claimed that the billionaire “lives at times below the poverty line.” She said, “Bro does not live like a billionaire. Bro lives at times below the poverty line. To the point where I was like, can we not live in a very insecure $40,000 house? Where the neighbors, like, film us, and there’s no security, and I’m eating peanut butter for eight days in a row?”


Max Verstappen Sets Fastest Time Of F1 Pre-season Testing 

Max Verstappen set the fastest time of F1 pre-season testing, with a 1m 31.720s set on the final day at the Bahrain circuit. While it’s never wise to read too much into testing times, Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc was second, 0.695s off for Ferrari, and Alpine’s Fernando Alonso in P3.